12 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2016
www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
‘Fizz’ fishes fourth dimension Gary (Fizz) Fissenden
For Kellie and me, long weekends have become a tradition centering around the good old Kiwi bach and fishing. We join friends at their bach in Okiwi Bay and, while the objective is always to get out on the water and catch a feed, it is more a social event. Food, fun, and friendship are central to the theme. Unlike a typical blokes’ fishing trip, the emphasis is getting the girls out so we can extend the time spent with friends and this reflects the style of fishing we do: a mix of rod fishing and using the set line. While some ‘purist’ fishers are against the old ‘longline’ because it is deemed unsporting or unskilful, we find it a fun group activity that gets everyone in the boat involved. It is also a good insurance policy or back up for those days when the fish simply aren’t going for the rods; many is the time the set line has changed an empty plate to a satisfying feed. Early in the season, dropping a set line is a good way of prospecting; finding where those
highly mobile snapper are currently feeding. Prior to spawning they can be quite erratic, flitting about putting on condition after winter and schooling toward breeding time, so nailing their location can make all the difference between success and blank sessions with the rods. But snapper are not the only target. Some have been unhappy with the introduction of the new blue cod rules, but it has proved a blessing to us. Like many, we always targeted blue cod because they were relatively abundant and so easy to catch, but we’ve had to rethink our strategy and expand our fishing scope to target different species. Gurnard has become a favourite, both on the rod and with the set line. Typically we’ll set the longline on sandy banks in around 15m if targeting gurnard or school snapper, and in 30m if chasing snapper or greyboy. Fresh squid, half pilchards, and salted mackerel would be my top baits, with Fizz and friend discuss dinner.
Kellie Fissenden and Louisa Smith are a couple of 'set line chicks'.
mackerel most successful on the gurnard. The anticipation that comes with picking up the set line certainly adds spice to the activity - with everyone guessing and hoping as to what the catch will be. Then the heart rate goes up a flutter when you take up the slack and feel the ‘voltage down the line’ as fish kick and buck against the strain. After a time, you can ‘read’ the fish nods much the same as you can on the rod, and can ‘feel’ what fish lay below. Everyone can be involved in the process, from reeling in the line, removing fish, and tidying ropes, to de-baiting the hooks, but that doesn’t stop the rush to the side whenever
the cry of ‘colour’ goes up. The flash of bronze-red that signals ‘snapper’ broaching from the depths elicits shouts and whoops of excitement, and suddenly consigns a great time with friends to the memory album. While catching fish on the rod is a challenge and a thrill, there is nothing sinister about using a set line. It doesn’t turn you in to ‘Darth Vader’ - it just adds another dimension to your fishing! P.S. Set lines can also induce ‘early onset divorce’ - just ask Crimpy!
Fizz's fourth dimension SETLINE TIPS Scan here
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